Journal Entry #1
Where did we come from? (Creation)
The first thing I think of when you ask this question is, how do you define "we"? Do you mean people or life in general. Its my personal belief that people as well as other forms of life should be valued the same. Scientifically speaking I am inclined to say that the origin of life is when one cell joined with another. I think that's when it all started. Life stared billions of years ago, and has moved so far to reach where we stand today.
Why is there evil in the world if God is real? (Theodicy)
This question is what drew my mother away from Christianity. She was born in India to a Hindu family. When she moved here as a kid everyone expected that she would become Catholic. I guess whoever she talked too about Christianity in the first place didn't give her a strait answer when she asked this question, and she was immediately turned off from it. Asking me personally, I would say that evil and hardship are terrible parts of life. Sometimes evils destroy us, but sometimes they build us up. I think the real question one should ask is why do people turn there backs on people facing evils or hardships? Why do people not help those who are faced with hardships or horrible situations? I think one of those general rules or beliefs believed by majority of the population is to help people and not expect anything in return. To combat "forces of evil" with charity, selflessness and kindness.
What happens after death? (Destiny)
I believe the explanation of death and the "afterlife" is a key point in all religions. Every religion will say something different about it, which I think is beautiful.
Its my belief that for the most part, life right now only happens once. Everything that comes together falls apart at some point, but when it does in a way you are still there. This is the Law of Conservation of Energy. In a way a part of you will always live on at earth, because an infinite part of you can never be destroyed. Where "you" or your "spirit" goes I have absolutely no idea. I think Heaven is a really good concept, because it pushes people to be good. But I have always believed that people should be good just for the purpose of being good, not because they will get to go to Heaven. Though in a way I believe that one's time on earth, alive, is individual, I do see how one could find comfort in knowing that you have a second chance. Yet I think most importantly that spending your time (alive and young) how you want to is what really matters. So that when you do die, whenever that is, you accept it.
How should I live my life? (Ethics)
I believe that living life for right now is important, because you never know when it will end. That concept once scared me, but I've been living my life differently since then. I believe life should be lived with acceptance of everyone, and every religion. People shouldn't be segregated because of their race, religion or beliefs. I also believe that people should always be kind and selfless when it comes to others not only because they want "good karma", or to go to Heaven, but because they genuinely want to be good people.
Journal Entry #2
Nina "Hello Guru, it is incredible to meet you."
Guru " And you too."
Nina " I have a few questions about creation, Theodicy, Ethics and Destiny. Would you mind answering them?"
Guru "Not at all. Go ahead."
Nina "Well in Religion class we learned about the different theories of Creation. Stories are brought about by different civilizations to explain how the universe was created. Is it okay that the two stories are so different? And who exactly rules the universe?"
Guru "It is in the belief of Hindus that the creator of the universe is Brahma. He created the universe and then gave parts of it to Vishnu (preserver) and Shiva (destroyer). Together they rule the universe, but are all really just forms of the one true reality, Brahman.Together the three of them make the Hindu Trinity (Trimuti). Both stories about creation brought up by the Aryans and Indus Valley people are both correct in their own ways. Because Hinduism is so diverse, it is okay for people to have different opinions on the main questions of life."
Nina "Thank you! That was my main and most important question."
Nina "Why do bad things happen to good people, and good things happen to bad people? In other words, why is their suffering in general?"
Guru "This has to do with Karma. Karma is a person's good and bad actions. When one does a good deed, the good Karma they created goes out and into the universe. It should be the goal of all people to "overload" the universe with good Karma. But when one does a bad action, their bad Karma also floats off into the universe. Either Karma can fall upon the people, so one should focus on increasing the universe's good Karma."
Nina "Wow, that makes a lot more sense now that you explained it. I have just a few more questions."
Nina "How should a good person plan to live their life? In other words, with what ethics in mind should I live my life?"
Guru- "One of the most important parts of Hinduism is living by your Dharma. Dharma is the responsibility or duty of a person to uphold throughout their life. If you do your Dharma (protecting your city, becoming a doctor, etc.) you will die with very good karma. A completed Dharma sets you one step closer to the ultimate goal of life, Moksha."
Nina "Where does a person's soul go after Moksha? In other words, what is the destiny of Hindus?"
Guru "Their soul, or Atma is liberated from the cycle of Samsara. This means they will not be reincarnated again, but instead can come and join God. Souls join Brahman once again, because he was their origin in the first place."
Nina "Okay, thank you so much for speaking with me! This was an incredible experience!"
Guru "No problem."
Weekend Meditation Journal
Day 1 (Friday)
Meditation isn't something entirely new too me. I find myself trying to quietly take in my surroundings while not thinking of anything in particular quite often. When I came home from Religion I knew I could be a little more relaxed after finishing my first week of High School. I sat outside near our pool and meditated. The first minute or two I worked on relaxing and forgetting about things I need to do. I slipped into this zone where I knew I didn't have to stress. For the next eight or nine minutes I focused only on the sounds I heard around me. My dog digging in the yard, crickets sounding in the trees, and the wind moving the palm trees around me.
Day 2 (Saturday)
I found it more difficult to sit down for ten minutes today because I was very busy. My mom did not have work so naturally she dragged me with her on a million errands. I found time while in a particularly long car ride to pick up an alteration. I sat for about thirteen minutes focusing on the movement of the car and again, the sounds around me. I learned that if you focus hard enough you can pick up many things by just listening. I could hear the hum of the air conditioning, the sound of the tires as we switched lanes. I began to realize that getting in the "zone" for meditation gets easier with practice.
Day 3 (Sunday)
Today I was more relaxed during my meditation period. I sat in my room with the windows open and paid attention to my breathing. I pulled open all the windows and listened to my breath and the sound of the wind against the trees and against my house. My yard is practically filled with oak trees, which drives my Dad insane, but I really don't mind. Again I found it easier to get in the "zone" than it had been the past few days. By meditating I was finding a peaceful state of mind in all of the hustle and bustle of my normal life. I could tell that meditating was greatly appreciated by both my mind and body.
Journal Entry #4
Though I do not consider myself a Christian, I do feel that the Ten Commandments encompass everything a good person should live by, regardless of religion. Yet I feel the question of added Commandants is justified in today’s modern society. It is not stated anywhere in the Ten Commandments that people are free to marry whoever they want, or that women and men are equal. Nor does it refer to racism and a difference in religion, except for talking about the consequences of not following Christianity’s God. I’m not disagreeing at all with the religion or any of its prior teachings, but I personally would like to point out that a modern society consists of a wide span of religions, races, and sexualities. That being said I could see why people do not want to change the original Ten Commandments because they were the exact ones given to man by God.
Journal Entry #5
I find that the parable of "The Good Samaritan" exemplifies a key attribute I strongly believe in. I have always valued willingness to help others without expecting anything in return. But I was particularly effected when I went on the class service trip to the Dominican Republic. I have been to multiple third world countries before, where I saw extreme poverty and homelessness. Especially while visiting India, I saw few locals take notice of the lowest class, or attempt to help them in any way. Though I was very young when I travelled to these parts of the world, it was clear to me how lucky I am. These experiences also left me shocked and anxious to help in any way. Even at a young age I found it hard to imagine passing by other people without a glance, just because they don't have the resources I did. When we went to the Dominican (only a few hour plane ride away) I met over a hundred kids living in shacks without clean water. To think that while people so close suffered, I had been living my overly lavish life here. It made me realize how unnecessary some of the things I had or wanted were. Going to the Dominican taught and showed me that you don't have to go far to help people. Even once I returned to Tampa, it became evident to me that millions live in poverty right here. I believe that this particular teaching of Jesus is especially important because it focuses on helping others, and treating others well; despite "social standing". People are people, no matter where they live, or what language they speak. It is through good examples and teachings, such as this, that we find ways to help others and grow as people to be less self oriented.
Where did we come from? (Creation)
The first thing I think of when you ask this question is, how do you define "we"? Do you mean people or life in general. Its my personal belief that people as well as other forms of life should be valued the same. Scientifically speaking I am inclined to say that the origin of life is when one cell joined with another. I think that's when it all started. Life stared billions of years ago, and has moved so far to reach where we stand today.
Why is there evil in the world if God is real? (Theodicy)
This question is what drew my mother away from Christianity. She was born in India to a Hindu family. When she moved here as a kid everyone expected that she would become Catholic. I guess whoever she talked too about Christianity in the first place didn't give her a strait answer when she asked this question, and she was immediately turned off from it. Asking me personally, I would say that evil and hardship are terrible parts of life. Sometimes evils destroy us, but sometimes they build us up. I think the real question one should ask is why do people turn there backs on people facing evils or hardships? Why do people not help those who are faced with hardships or horrible situations? I think one of those general rules or beliefs believed by majority of the population is to help people and not expect anything in return. To combat "forces of evil" with charity, selflessness and kindness.
What happens after death? (Destiny)
I believe the explanation of death and the "afterlife" is a key point in all religions. Every religion will say something different about it, which I think is beautiful.
Its my belief that for the most part, life right now only happens once. Everything that comes together falls apart at some point, but when it does in a way you are still there. This is the Law of Conservation of Energy. In a way a part of you will always live on at earth, because an infinite part of you can never be destroyed. Where "you" or your "spirit" goes I have absolutely no idea. I think Heaven is a really good concept, because it pushes people to be good. But I have always believed that people should be good just for the purpose of being good, not because they will get to go to Heaven. Though in a way I believe that one's time on earth, alive, is individual, I do see how one could find comfort in knowing that you have a second chance. Yet I think most importantly that spending your time (alive and young) how you want to is what really matters. So that when you do die, whenever that is, you accept it.
How should I live my life? (Ethics)
I believe that living life for right now is important, because you never know when it will end. That concept once scared me, but I've been living my life differently since then. I believe life should be lived with acceptance of everyone, and every religion. People shouldn't be segregated because of their race, religion or beliefs. I also believe that people should always be kind and selfless when it comes to others not only because they want "good karma", or to go to Heaven, but because they genuinely want to be good people.
Journal Entry #2
Nina "Hello Guru, it is incredible to meet you."
Guru " And you too."
Nina " I have a few questions about creation, Theodicy, Ethics and Destiny. Would you mind answering them?"
Guru "Not at all. Go ahead."
Nina "Well in Religion class we learned about the different theories of Creation. Stories are brought about by different civilizations to explain how the universe was created. Is it okay that the two stories are so different? And who exactly rules the universe?"
Guru "It is in the belief of Hindus that the creator of the universe is Brahma. He created the universe and then gave parts of it to Vishnu (preserver) and Shiva (destroyer). Together they rule the universe, but are all really just forms of the one true reality, Brahman.Together the three of them make the Hindu Trinity (Trimuti). Both stories about creation brought up by the Aryans and Indus Valley people are both correct in their own ways. Because Hinduism is so diverse, it is okay for people to have different opinions on the main questions of life."
Nina "Thank you! That was my main and most important question."
Nina "Why do bad things happen to good people, and good things happen to bad people? In other words, why is their suffering in general?"
Guru "This has to do with Karma. Karma is a person's good and bad actions. When one does a good deed, the good Karma they created goes out and into the universe. It should be the goal of all people to "overload" the universe with good Karma. But when one does a bad action, their bad Karma also floats off into the universe. Either Karma can fall upon the people, so one should focus on increasing the universe's good Karma."
Nina "Wow, that makes a lot more sense now that you explained it. I have just a few more questions."
Nina "How should a good person plan to live their life? In other words, with what ethics in mind should I live my life?"
Guru- "One of the most important parts of Hinduism is living by your Dharma. Dharma is the responsibility or duty of a person to uphold throughout their life. If you do your Dharma (protecting your city, becoming a doctor, etc.) you will die with very good karma. A completed Dharma sets you one step closer to the ultimate goal of life, Moksha."
Nina "Where does a person's soul go after Moksha? In other words, what is the destiny of Hindus?"
Guru "Their soul, or Atma is liberated from the cycle of Samsara. This means they will not be reincarnated again, but instead can come and join God. Souls join Brahman once again, because he was their origin in the first place."
Nina "Okay, thank you so much for speaking with me! This was an incredible experience!"
Guru "No problem."
Weekend Meditation Journal
Day 1 (Friday)
Meditation isn't something entirely new too me. I find myself trying to quietly take in my surroundings while not thinking of anything in particular quite often. When I came home from Religion I knew I could be a little more relaxed after finishing my first week of High School. I sat outside near our pool and meditated. The first minute or two I worked on relaxing and forgetting about things I need to do. I slipped into this zone where I knew I didn't have to stress. For the next eight or nine minutes I focused only on the sounds I heard around me. My dog digging in the yard, crickets sounding in the trees, and the wind moving the palm trees around me.
Day 2 (Saturday)
I found it more difficult to sit down for ten minutes today because I was very busy. My mom did not have work so naturally she dragged me with her on a million errands. I found time while in a particularly long car ride to pick up an alteration. I sat for about thirteen minutes focusing on the movement of the car and again, the sounds around me. I learned that if you focus hard enough you can pick up many things by just listening. I could hear the hum of the air conditioning, the sound of the tires as we switched lanes. I began to realize that getting in the "zone" for meditation gets easier with practice.
Day 3 (Sunday)
Today I was more relaxed during my meditation period. I sat in my room with the windows open and paid attention to my breathing. I pulled open all the windows and listened to my breath and the sound of the wind against the trees and against my house. My yard is practically filled with oak trees, which drives my Dad insane, but I really don't mind. Again I found it easier to get in the "zone" than it had been the past few days. By meditating I was finding a peaceful state of mind in all of the hustle and bustle of my normal life. I could tell that meditating was greatly appreciated by both my mind and body.
Journal Entry #4
Though I do not consider myself a Christian, I do feel that the Ten Commandments encompass everything a good person should live by, regardless of religion. Yet I feel the question of added Commandants is justified in today’s modern society. It is not stated anywhere in the Ten Commandments that people are free to marry whoever they want, or that women and men are equal. Nor does it refer to racism and a difference in religion, except for talking about the consequences of not following Christianity’s God. I’m not disagreeing at all with the religion or any of its prior teachings, but I personally would like to point out that a modern society consists of a wide span of religions, races, and sexualities. That being said I could see why people do not want to change the original Ten Commandments because they were the exact ones given to man by God.
Journal Entry #5
I find that the parable of "The Good Samaritan" exemplifies a key attribute I strongly believe in. I have always valued willingness to help others without expecting anything in return. But I was particularly effected when I went on the class service trip to the Dominican Republic. I have been to multiple third world countries before, where I saw extreme poverty and homelessness. Especially while visiting India, I saw few locals take notice of the lowest class, or attempt to help them in any way. Though I was very young when I travelled to these parts of the world, it was clear to me how lucky I am. These experiences also left me shocked and anxious to help in any way. Even at a young age I found it hard to imagine passing by other people without a glance, just because they don't have the resources I did. When we went to the Dominican (only a few hour plane ride away) I met over a hundred kids living in shacks without clean water. To think that while people so close suffered, I had been living my overly lavish life here. It made me realize how unnecessary some of the things I had or wanted were. Going to the Dominican taught and showed me that you don't have to go far to help people. Even once I returned to Tampa, it became evident to me that millions live in poverty right here. I believe that this particular teaching of Jesus is especially important because it focuses on helping others, and treating others well; despite "social standing". People are people, no matter where they live, or what language they speak. It is through good examples and teachings, such as this, that we find ways to help others and grow as people to be less self oriented.